AUGUSTA (WGME) -- The state of Maine has reported its first coronavirus-related death.
The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday that a man in 80s from Cumberland County died after testing positive for the coronavirus. Due to privacy laws, Maine CDC is limited in releasing further details.
“This is a sad day for the State of Maine. I know I join countless people in extending my condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time,” Gov. Janet Mills said. “Our state is a family. And while we mourn the loss of a member of our Maine family today, I find strength and solace in knowing that we will support one another and that, together, we will get through this.”
The number of coronavirus cases in Maine is now 168 as of Friday. That’s up from 155 cases on Thursday.
Gov. Mills is urging Mainers to stay home. “Things will get worse before they get better, but they will get better," she said.
She said signs will be put up on the Maine Turnpike telling people that are coming to Maine from a state that is a coronavirus hot spot that they must quarantine.
Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah said 30 people are currently hospitalized and 24 people have recovered. There have been 3,394 negative tests.
Dr. Shah said Thursday that 16 health care workers are among those who have been stricken with the coronavirus.
There are 86 available ICU beds out of 164 and 247 out of 308 ventilators available, according to Dr. Shah.
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The highest amount of coronavirus cases are in Cumberland County, which has 92 confirmed cases. York County has the second highest with 33.
Other coronavirus cases have been reported in Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, Penobscot, Sagadahoc, and Waldo counties.
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Community transmission is happening in Cumberland and York counties. However, Dr. Shah said community transmission is likely happening in other Maine counties as well.
Dr. Shah is stressing social distancing. “Live your life as if COVID-19 is already in your community," he said. “What you do today will determine the health of your community tomorrow."
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Three coronavirus cases involve a child in the Cumberland and North Yarmouth school district, a child younger than 10 -- the Maine CDC says the child was not in daycare -- and a Cape Elizabeth Middle School student.
Other coronavirus cases include a nurse at Waldo County General Hospital, a Portland hospital worker, Portland police officers, residents at a retirement community in Falmouth, a Lewiston health care provider, two veterans and one employee at the VA Maine Health Care System, an EMMC walk-in care patient, an Old Orchard Beach High School staff member, Colby College community members, an employee at UNE, and a part-time USM faculty member.
On Wednesday, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services closed its Lewiston office after a worker tested positive for the coronavirus. The office is being cleaned and is expected to reopen "soon," according the Maine CDC.
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Maine recorded its first case of COVID-19 on March 12. That individual, a woman in her 50s from Androscoggin County, is a U.S. Navy Reservist and recently traveled to Italy.
Dr. Shah is urging people to donate blood, and also asking any health care workers who are qualified to operate ventilators to volunteer their skills.
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On March 24, Gov. Janet Mills ordered all non-essential Maine businesses and operations to close. “We must do better," she said.
Non-essential businesses and operations may continue activities that do not involve these types of in-person contact and convenings and should facilitate the maximum number of employees working remotely.
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Gov. Mills issued an Executive Order on March 18 mandating that all restaurants and bars statewide close to dine-in customers. Take-out, delivery, and drive-through options are still available. Mills also prohibited all gatherings of more than 10 people until further notice.
COVID-19 causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, for most people. However, for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The Maine CDC stresses that if you have symptoms of coronavirus to call your doctor before showing up so that they can plan accordingly.
The Maine CDC and 211 Maine have launched a new option for Mainers to get answers to questions about COVID-19 at any time. This service is available by dialing 211 (or 1-866-811-5695), texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or emailing info@211maine.org.
The CDC is offering these steps to protect yourself:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
- If you are not sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick. Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
CLICK HERE for more information about coronavirus from the Maine CDC.